There is a wide array of waterbed linens available on the market for consumers to choose from, but which is best for you? These linens generally differ from normal bed sheets because of the type of mattress you find on waterbeds.
Waterbed sheets come in various guises. You get pocketed sheets that can be used with soft side beds or hard side beds. They have pockets on the corners that allow you to secure the sheet under the mattress. Alternatively, some linens come with elastic strips across the corners that allow you to fit the sheet to any size of mattress soft side or hard side.
Some suppliers make sheets that have fully elasticated waists that are good for softsided mattresses, others have linens that require the use of side poles to hold the sheets in place. These are typically for hardside beds. When choosing the style of linen sheet be careful to take note of the size and particularly the depth of your mattress as choosing a sheet with pockets that doesn’t fit your mattress can be a hassle.
As well as deciding on the style/pattern of bedding it’s also wise to consider whether you should buy individual sheets or sets of linen. Buying waterbed sets is often cheaper than buying individual sheets to make up the set, plus you get the benefit of being able to fully coordinate your waterbed sheets. With sets, as with individual sheets, you need to choose the style be it elasticated, pocketed or otherwise but also decide on whether you require attached or unattached linens.
Unattached sheets are, as the name suggests, just loose sheets to be fitted to your mattress. Attached sheets are where the lower sheet and top sheet are stitched together, generally at the foot of the bed for at least a portion of the seam. The benefits of attached sheets become obvious when you come to fit them. Attached sheets are just easier to fit and stay on the bed better.
If you have selected the type of sheet, pocketed or elasticated, and decided whether you need a set, attached or unattached or individual sheets the next concern should be what type of fabric you want your linen made from. Does it even matter? Well from a budget point of view and a comfort point of view the type of fabric used in your waterbed linens is quite important.
Cotton polyester mix sheets are often the cheapest, but are exceptionally hard wearing. They are generally considered to be best value in terms of comfort, price and durability. Pure cotton or flannel waterbed sheets are often the next expensive fabric but are widely believed to offer the best comfort, especially in a colder clime or during winter time. Satin sheets are more expensive but offer a glamorous feel whilst being hugely comfortable especially in warmer weather. Then there are cotton/bamboo mix sheets which are something a little novel and different but reportedly offer great durability and a silky feel.
As with all linens the higher the thread count the more expensive the sheets. Obviously prices for waterbed linens will vary dependent on the size of your bed, type of fabric used and whether or not you buy a set. Check around our site for details on where to find the cheapest waterbed linens and what to look out for.
